Materials science: the Peugeot Onyx

Concerns are being raised about the heat. There are fears that the newspaper might start to lift and peel, that the felt could come unstuck and slip around on its own molten glue, that the poly methyl methacrylate could bend dangerously as it expands. Ripples of heat haze rise from the copper, a wispy warning that the burnished surface underneath is currently at gas mark six and will not look kindly upon a misplaced finger.

No, we haven't accidently stumbled into Beelzebub's craft workshop or a particularly extreme episode of Blue Peter. This is a concept car. One that really is made from paper and felt and copper, and is now in danger of melting back into its constituent elements under the sun's punishing attentions.

It's a bit harsh, considering this is the first time the Peugeot Onyx has ever been outdoors. OK, that's not strictly true. It's the second time.

Words: Ollie MarriagePhotography: Lee Brimble

This feature was originally published in the October 2012 issue of Top Gear magazine